P-80A 44-85123 established a trans-America speed record on January 26, 1946, in the hands of Col William H. Councill. Fitted with modified P-38 drop tanks and extra internal tankage, the P-80 made the 2,453.8-mile journey in 4hr 13min 26sec, at an average speed of 580-93 m.p.h.

The fifth service-test YP-80A, 44-83027, seen with its serial obliterated by Flights retoucher, came to the UK in the winter of 1944-45 and was fitted with a Rolls-Royce B-41 engine, the prototype of the Nene.